Blake Griffin: Clippers Are Not a Joke Anymore

The Clippers are recognized as one of the biggest jokes of a franchise in sports. They’ve only had four playoff seasons since moving to LA, and that’s in a league where 16 of 30 teams make the postseason. Their draft picks often are busts, and the ones that aren’t get injured. Blake Griffin even suffered from the curse when he hurt his knee and missed his rookie season. He’s well aware of the franchise’s reputation, but he says the Chris Paul trade changes that.

“The only thing I’m going to promise is that you’re going to get our best every night,” Griffin said from practice Thursday. “When you hear the Clippers, it’s not going to be a joke anymore. I can guarantee that.”

The Clippers have only had two winning seasons since moving to LA. Two. That’s a big guarantee for Griffin to make, but with the roster they have put together, it would be a disappointment if they didn’t reach the postseason the next two years. If they achieve success, the question is whether they can sustain it.